It’s clear now in late February that the defense that carried UNC to eight straight conference victories in January is not as steady or stout as it was then. The Tar Heels began ACC play in earnest on January 3rd at Pitt and launched an eight-game streak of holding opponents to 70 points or less, including capping the first three games at 54 (lol@state).
That turn of events would have seemed remarkable to Tar Heel Nation, as Carolina looked rather generous in two marquee match-ups in December with UConn and Kentucky, both losses, both allowing 87 points. After a rebound win against Oklahoma, the Heels had an extended Christmas break before returning to practice with a renewed focus on stopping the ball.